More Washington High DC School Cadet Corps

A few months ago while performing research at the Martin Luther King Library in downtown Washington DC, I came across several photos of Washington High DC School Cadet Corps. I was surprise to find a photo of a female cadet corps since everything I read about the cadet corps indicated it was for males only.

Captain William Brandenburg of Western High School Company H, High School Cadets, received the Allison Nailor, diamond-studded medal from his own principal, Dr. Elmer S. Netwon, who was the reviewing office.Courtesy DC Public Library, Washingtoniana Division

Western High School Cadets – 1942Courtesy DC Public Library, Washingtoniana Division

What was the purpose of the cadet corps? I have found some photos of my father in his cadet uniform. He graduated from Central High School in 1927. It was listed as a “social club” in his yearbook entry.